Air Force Research Lab Develops STAR-FISH Satellite Tech
The program focuses on creating cyber-hardened, secure satellites for future military operations in low Earth orbit.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Space
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The Air Force Research Laboratory is launching the STAR-FISH program to accelerate the development of secure, cyber-hardened satellite hardware and software. The initiative aims to improve military operational speed within the growing low Earth orbit environment.
Why it matters
As military reliance on satellite constellations increases, this effort seeks to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Developing secure-by-design systems is essential for maintaining space superiority in a crowded, competitive orbit.
The Air Force Research Laboratory evaluates proposals based on specific metrics including function, performance, and cyber-effectiveness. This approach supports the development of satellites designed to operate securely in proliferated low Earth orbit regimes.
The players
Air Force Research Laboratory
This is the primary scientific research organization for the United States Air Force and Space Force.
Kirtland AFB
This military installation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosts the Air Force Research Laboratory space vehicles directorate.
The details
The STAR-FISH program, which stands for Space Technology Advanced Research - Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware, will prioritize secure-by-design architectures. The Air Force Research Laboratory is actively reviewing proposals to integrate these new standards into future satellite manufacturing.
Timeline
October 22, 2026: The Air Force Research Laboratory issued a business notice regarding the project.
The Big Picture
The STAR-FISH program follows the pattern set by the National Defense Strategy's focus on space resiliency by hardening assets against cyber intrusion. This shift prioritizes cyber-effectiveness over legacy satellite design to ensure operational continuity.
This program aims to develop more resilient satellite systems, which could eventually improve the reliability of global communication and navigation services. Securing these orbital assets is critical to protecting technology that underpins modern civilian and military digital infrastructures.
The takeaway
The STAR-FISH initiative reflects a strategic pivot toward proactive cyber-defense for orbital assets. Future satellite hardware will increasingly rely on these secure-by-design principles to withstand complex digital threats.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Space technology.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Defense Daily.
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Should the U.S. government prioritize funding for cyber-hardened, secure-by-design satellite technologies?
